Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating The Impact Of Starch Intake On Fecal Consistency Scores In Equines, Gülşah Kaya Karasu, Hidir Gümüş

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Horses, as monogastric hindgut fermenters, primarily engage in microbial activity in the large intestine. Although starch is not inherently harmful, excessive intake can lead to digestive disturbances and health issues due to insufficient digestion in the small intestine, resulting in overflow into the large intestine. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the use of rapid fecal analysis, including fecal score, pH, and dry matter (DM) analysis, to understand the effects of high starch intake. The study was conducted in May 2023 at a private sport horse farm in İzmir, Türkiye and involved 24 sport horses aged 4 to …

Empowering Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners To Address Nutritional Deficits: An Educational Quality Improvement Study, Beatrice Joan Richards

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Psychiatry is a complex and multifaceted discipline, and treatment approaches often vary based on provider preference and philosophy. Some focus heavily on pharmacotherapies, while others use psychotherapeutic methods, and still others take a more holistic approach involving full-body wellness. All three strategies are beneficial, and providing psychiatric care with a combination of them all can address the full spectrum of factors that influence one’s mental health. Much research, education, and clinical focus have been put on pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutics. However, there is a marked lack of understanding regarding the holistic realm of psychiatric care, specifically the role of nutrition, amongst …

Genome-Wide Analysis Of Dna Methylation Signatures Linking Prenatal Exposure To The Chinese Great Famine And Blood Lipids In Late Adulthood: The Genomic Research Of The Chinese Famine (Grecf) Study, Huan Wang, Luqi Shen, Tingting Liu, Ruiyuan Zhang, Zhenghe Wang, Jingkai Wei, Ye Shen, Jinzhen Guo, Toni Miles, Changwei Li, Zhiyong Zou

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background/objectives: Prenatal exposure to famine can lead to lasting health effects through changes in DNA methylation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of prenatal exposure to the Chinses Great Famine (1959-1961) on human epigenome and the subsequent influence on blood lipids.

Methods: We conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of peripheral blood-based DNA methylation and prenatal exposure to the Chinese Great Famine as well as blood lipids among eight participants exposed to famine and eight sex-matched participants (born ≤ 3 years after the famine). Genome-wide DNA methylation sites were profiled using the Illumina EPIC BeadChip, which covers 850K methylation …

Hungry Minds: Analyzing The Impact Of Food Insecurity And Food Assistance Programs On Neurocognitive Development And Childhood Mental Health, Kayla A. Davenport

Senior Theses

Introduction: Food insecurity affects millions of children in the United States and is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for poor nutritional intake and adverse health outcomes. However, less is known about how the experience of food insecurity disrupts healthy development and well-being, particularly among American youth. This thesis had two aims: (1) to examine the relationship between household food insecurity and children’s neurocognitive and mental health outcomes and (2) to evaluate how major food assistance programs address, or fail to address, these developmental risks.

Methods: This thesis uses a mixed-methods approach, integrating a narrative literature review, a cross-sectional …

Carotenoids As Neuroprotective Agents In Multiple Sclerosis: Pathways, Mechanisms, And Clinical Prospects, Elham Nadimi, Shirin Jamal Omidi, Mahshad Ghasemi, Mohammad Hashem Hashempur, Aida Iraji

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune andneurodegenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination and neuroinflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation. The global incidence of MS is rising, demonstrating the necessity for new therapeutic agents against its complex pathophysiology. Carotenoids, naturally pigments with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective activities, have been recognized as promising candidates to target MS.The antioxidant effect of astaxanthin, lycopene, β-carotene, crocin, and lutein resulted from the deactivation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), preservation of mitochondrial integrity, and prevention of lipid peroxidation. Additionally, carotenoids regulate inflammatory pathways by suppressing NF-κB activation, …

Adapting To Inflationary Pressures: Household Coping Strategies In Urban Egypt (2016– 2025), Mohamed Mohamed Ashraf Kamal

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past decade, Egypt has faced persistent economic challenges including repeated currency devaluations, high inflation rates, subsidy reforms such as the gradual reduction of food and energy subsidies, and the ripple effects of global crises that have significantly impacted household well-being, especially in urban areas. These pressures have eroded purchasing power and heightened food insecurity, especially among low- and middle-income families. Although substantial attention has been paid to macroeconomic indicators, there remains a critical gap in understanding how households adapt on a daily basis to manage financial stress and sustain their livelihoods. This inquiry is especially timely, as household …

Interleukin-6 (Il-6) Mediated Pathways In Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Nafld) And Its Implications On Magnesium And Zinc Mineral Deficiencies: A Scoping Review, Marianne Koleng, Leann Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The prevalence and incidence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is rising. In the United States alone, the prevalence of NAFLD is currently 38% and there has been a 50% increase over the last three decades. The present study investigated the role of ultratrace mineral deficiencies, specifically magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn), and if so, what nutritional interventions could be made to ameliorate or protect against the development of NAFLD. The role of trace and ultratrace minerals in pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways contributing to NAFLD, specifically Interleukin-6 (IL-6), were investigated. IL-6 is produced by hepatocytes and plays a crucial role in …

Enriching Nutritional Status In The Intensive Care Unit Through Early Enteral Nutrition, Rizaldy Icawat Bandola

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: The ASPEN recommended initiating enteral nutrition within 24-48 hours of hospital admission to benefit the patient’s outcome.

Problem: Evidence shows the decline in nutritional status for critically ill populations over the week. The unfamiliar impact of nutrition on patient outcomes causes undertreated nutrition risks among patients, increasing the prevalence of hospital-acquired malnutrition.

Methods: The setting is a 20-bed MSICU, accommodating adult patients aged >18 years with medical and surgical critically ill conditions. The project used the Knowledge-To-Action framework. The project measures the hours from MSICU admission or intubation to enteral feeding administration over the 8-week timeframe.

Intervention: The evidence-based …

Steroid Hormone Biosynthesis And Dietary Related Metabolites Associated With Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, Tariq Faquih, Kaitlin S Potts, Pavithra Nagarajan, Bing Yu, Robert Kaplan, Carmen R Isasi, Qibin Qi, Kent D Taylor, Peter Y Liu, Satu J Strausz, Hanna M Ollila, Tianyi Huang, Russell P Tracy, Craig Johnson, Stephen S Rich, Clary B Clish, Jerome I Rotter, Susan Redline, Tamar Sofer, Heming Wang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a complex sleep problem that affects approximately 33% of the United States population. Although EDS usually occurs in conjunction with insufficient sleep and other sleep and circadian disorders, recent studies have shown unique genetic markers and metabolic pathways underlying EDS. Here, we aimed to further elucidate the biological profile of EDS using large-scale single- and pathway-level metabolomics analyses.

Methods: Metabolomics data were available for 877 metabolites in 6071 individuals from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). EDS was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire. We performed linear regression for each …

Nursing Education For Type 2 Diabetes And Nutrition Using Individual 1:1 Sessions In Rural Health Care, Meagan F. Wheat

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

What if proper nutrition were a nonpharmacological treatment for health problems? Nutrition is an important key to overall wellness. When patients receive the right education, they not only get the proper nutrition in their diet but also can manage their diabetes and live a better quality of life. In rural U.S. health areas, lack of access to nutrition is a barrier to patient care. Rural areas are at an even higher risk due to a lack of resources for good nutrition. One-to-one nutrition education with a nurse specialized in diabetes helps teach patients at a learning level they will comprehend. …

Eating Habits, Eating Behavior Mediators, Body Composition And Physical Fitness Among Rotc Cadets, Kaitlin Renee Hanks

Master's Theses

The physical and mental demands of the military and the requirement to maintain body composition standards make healthful eating essential to military service. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets are a unique subgroup of the United States military, and the combined demands of their military training and educational pursuits may increase their susceptibility to unhealthy eating patterns. The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between eating habits, eating behavior mediators, body composition, and physical fitness among ROTC cadets. This study used a cross-sectional design that included an online survey, an inperson body composition assessment, and carotenoid measurements …

Lactation Management Training In Graduate Nutrition And Dietetics Programs: A Preliminary Report, Laura Ashton Gillin

Master's Theses

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding (BF) for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for at least two years with complementary food. Despite this recommendation, only 24.9% of infants in the United States are exclusively breastfed at six months (Breastfeeding Report Card 2022). Breastfeeding support and lactation management are critical to promoting a successful breastfeeding experience. Specifically, qualified support from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is recommended, yet graduate students in Nutrition and Dietetics do not receive adequate training regarding breastfeeding intervention. This study aimed to evaluate graduate Nutrition and Dietetic programs to determine the amount of …

Beyond Their Nutritional Value, School Meal Programs Support Agricultural And Food Transition Toward Sustainability By Creating Multi-Sectoral Values In France, Sylvie Avallone, Sophie Nicklaus, Céline Giner, Juliana Cohen, Stéphane Verguet

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

The COVID pandemic has highlighted the essential role of school meal programs, not only for education but also for children’s nutrition. In France, school meals are shaped by ambitious policies to ensure their safety and nutritional quality, while promoting sustainable eating practices and awareness of environmental and agricultural challenges. In this article, we used the case study of France to discuss the multi-sectoral value of these programs. The economic value of school meals in France amounts to €8.2 billion annually, of which 2.8 billion are dedicated to food purchases. Since 2022, the EGAlim and Climate and Resilience laws require canteens …

Digital-Based Nutrition Interventions Employing The Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension (Dash) Diet: A Systematic Scoping Review, Elizabeth Dodge, Patricia J. Kelly, Basil H. Aboul-Enein

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

Background: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is an internationally recognized anti-hypertensive dietary model. This systematic scoping review examines the effectiveness of digital-based interventions utilizing the DASH dietary pattern. Methods: A search was conducted using 14 databases to include relevant studies from 1997 to January 2025 using PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Results: The review included 24 studies with almost 7000 participants, including randomized controlled trials and cohort studies conducted in several countries. Interventions using the DASH dietary pattern positively affected blood pressure (BP), nutrition behavior, and weight. Some studies also reported secondary outcomes such as reduced healthcare …

Effect Of Potassium Fertilizer On The Nutrition And Physical Quality Of Job’S Tears (Coix Lacryma-Jobi L.) Seeds, Qinthara Nail Haysa, Yuyun Yuwariah, Fiky Yulianto Wicaksono

Jurnal Kultivasi

Job's tears is a cereal crop that has beneficial nutrients. Potassium is known to affect the growth and yield of cereal crops, but there has been limited study on whether potassium affects the nutrition and physical quality of Job’s tears seeds. This study aimed to analyze the effect of K fertilizer on the nutritional content and physical quality of Job's tears seeds. This research was conducted from January to May 2024 at Ciparanje Experimental Field, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia. This experiment used the Randomized Block Design (RBD) method with six treatments and four replications. Various doses of …

Knowledge And Perceptions Of Prebiotics And Probiotics Among University Students, Itzel Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Gut health gained significant attention in recent years, with prebiotics and probiotics widely promoted for their potential health benefits. However, misinformation about this topic was common, particularly among young adults who were heavily influenced by social media and advertising on health-related topics. Research studies had indicated that knowledge and perceptions of prebiotics and probiotics are based on factors such as age, gender, and academic background. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perceptions of university students on prebiotic and probiotic foods, identify commonly used resources for information, and analyze the impact of media and demographic variables on their …

Optimization Of Mhealth Behavioral Interventions For Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: The Health4cll Study, Che Young Lee, Max J Gordon, Melissa M Markofski, Emily C Lavoy, Susan K Peterson, Liang Li, Sara Fares, Miranda Baum, Margaret Pace, Danielle Walsh, Alessandra Ferrajoli, Karen Basen-Engquist

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: This pilot study of a diet and physical activity intervention (HEALTH4CLL) was conducted to reduce fatigue and improve physical function (PF) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Methods: The HEALTH4CLL study used a randomized factorial design based on the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST). Patients received diet, exercise, and body weight management instructional materials plus a Fitbit and were randomized to undergo one of 16 combinations of 4 evidence-based mHealth intervention strategies over 16 weeks. Patients' fatigue, PF, health-related quality of life, behavior changes, and program satisfaction and retention were assessed. Paired t-tests were used to examine changes in …

Protein Production From Tobacco Plants Iii: Pilot Plant Extraction, P Fantaozzi, A Sensidoni, R Bortolomeazzi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The goals of the present study are: (1) to find a technology for the extraction of valuable proteins from tobacco at a pilot plant level. (2) to optimize such a technology with some modifications of the original idea; Results are shown related: (1) to the distribution of Proteins in the various fractions obtained during the extraction; (2) to the effect of some additives on the final protein yields and characteristics. To allow that the process would be economical qualitatively and quantitatively, the authors suggest an optimization of the extraction yield and a better purification of the final products from contaminants …

Nutrition, Physical Activity, Faith, And C-Reactive Protein As Predictors Of Depression In A Large Prospective Sample, Rebecca L. Banning

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

Depression is an increasingly common mental health concern and has been linked to both lifestyle factors and biological markers of inflammation. This study examined whether physical activity, dietary patterns, and religiosity/spirituality (R/S) predicted depression symptoms through their associations with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a widely used biomarker of inflammation. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, participants were assessed at Wave II (ages 12–20) and Wave IV (ages 24–32). Predictors included self-reported physical activity, proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory diet composites, and R/S engagement. Outcomes included concurrent and prospective depression symptoms, as well as hs-CRP concentrations. Results …

Implementing A Health Recommendation System From Wearable Data, Priti Pramanick

Doctoral Theses

The rising interest in personalized health monitoring has created a demand for intelligent systems that not only evaluate an individual’s health status but also offer actionable recommendations. This dissertation presents a data-driven approach to assess overall health by calculating a weekly health score using multi-dimensional data sources such as sleep patterns, nutrition, cardiovascular activity, fitness levels, and metabolic parameters. The system integrates and processes data stored in MongoDB using Python, applies scoring logic tailored to each health domain, and aggregates them into a unified health score. Addi- tionally, the system generates a detailed summary and leverages a language model to …

Role Of Nurses And Allied Health Professionals In Hepatology And The Challenges Faced When Navigating A Career Pathway, Lynsey Spillman, Dianne Backhouse, Leah Cox, Katie Ballesteros, Katie Ramos, Felicity Williams

School of Health Professions

Hepatology specialist nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs), including dietitians and physiotherapists, are essential members of the multidisciplinary team, delivering person-centred care from prevention through to advanced disease. Their contributions support lifestyle intervention, symptom management and care coordination, improving patient outcomes and service efficiency. Despite this, roles remain underfunded, inconsistently embedded and often overlooked in workforce planning. This article outlines the impact and challenges facing hepatology nurses and AHPs, drawing on UK service examples that demonstrate improved quality of life, reduced admissions, recompensation and cost savings. Barriers include limited access to structured training, protected time and clearly defined career pathways. …

Impact Of A Particular Diet On The Nutritional Status And Glycemic Response Of Noninsulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Patients – An Analytical Study, Yellesh Pothula, S. S. B. Sharma, A. Krishnaiah, Purna Singh Addanki

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

BACKGROUND:

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous primary disorder of carbohydrate metabolism with multiple etiological factors that generally involve absolute or relative insulin deficiency or insulin resistance or both. All causes of diabetes ultimately lead to hyperglycemia, which is the hall mark of this disease syndrome. Nutrition and diet play a critical role in the course of disease, in the controlling hyperglycemia in addition to drugs in diabetes mellitus patients.

OBJECTIVES:

To assess nutritional status of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients and glycemic response to the given type of food as compared to normal individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Out of 40 …

Nutrition Insights In Covid-19, Harpreet Kour, Richa Shrivastava

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

The COVID-19 is compromising individuals' immunity to a larger extent, it becomes imperative to strengthen and support the immune system with the right nutrition. Immune functioning can be improved through the right nutrition. Hence, adequate nutrition becomes paramount in leveling up the immune functioning through higher and wider Immunoglobulin generation. This review article is attempted to highlight the importance of nutrition during compromised immunity as in the case of COVID-19.

A Clinical Trial To Evaluate The Effect Of, K. Suprabha, K. V. Mamatha

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Context:

Health of the child depends directly on the environment and state of the fetus in intrauterine life. Supplementing

Rasayana

(rejuvenating and immunomodulatory) drugs in a

Garbhini

(pregnant women) provides positive maternal environment which helps the fetus to avoid or overcome diseases. Integrating

Rasayana

therapy in

Garbhini

Paricharya

(antenatal care) not only benefits the pregnant lady but also the growing fetus in her womb.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of

Rasayana

Avaleha

(RA) (

Rasayana

electuary) on fetal growth and development and its influence on fetal immune system.

Setting and Design:

Pregnant women fulfilling …

Potential Epigenetic Impacts Of Phytochemicals On Ruminant Health And Production: Connecting Lines Of Evidence, Sebastian P. Schreiber, Juan Villalba, Mirella L. Meyer-Ficca

Wildland Resources Student Research

The once mysterious “dark matter of nutrition”, comprising countless plant derived secondary compounds, also known as phytochemicals, is now understood to have significant and wide-ranging effects on consumers, including myriad health benefits in humans and livestock. The selective consumption of phytochemically rich and diverse plants, in appropriate doses, by ruminants represents an adaptive means of therapeutic and prophylactic self-medication. Due to their chemical structure, phytochemicals have long been recognized as antioxidants. However, the mechanisms that underlie numerous additional phytochemical-based health benefits are generally less understood. These effects (i.e., anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticarcinogenic effects) are likely related to epigenetic processes. Evidence …

University Counseling Center Therapists' Perspectives Of Counseling About Nutrition, Ana Lucia Pacheco

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined university counseling center therapists' perspectives on discussing nutrition in therapy. Despite the established link between nutrition and mental health, minimal research has explored how therapists approach these discussions. This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to analyze semi-structured interviews with 10 university counseling center therapists from the Mountain West region. Four overarching themes emerged: a deficit view of nutrition, perceived utility, ethical practice, and holistic care. Therapists unanimously recognized the connection between nutrition and mental health and primarily discussed nutrition with clients presenting with eating disorders or disordered eating, those who express interest, or as part of …

Co-Designing A Digital Nutrition Intervention For Individuals With Severe Mental Illness Using The Behaviour Change Wheel, Ciara O'Sullivan, Tara Coppinger, Indika Dhanapala, Alison Merrotsy

Publications

Title: Co-Designing a Digital Nutrition Intervention for Individuals with Severe Mental Illness Using the Behaviour Change Wheel

Purpose: This study aims to develop a digital nutrition intervention for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) residing in high-support mental health hostels, using a theoretically informed co-design approach.

Design/methodology/approach: This study will employ a participatory, mixed-methods approach, incorporating Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) to ensure user-centred intervention design. The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) guides the selection of intervention functions, Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) and delivery methods. The study will consist of three phases: (1) Preparation, (2) Co-Design, and (3) Finalisation.

Findings: Data …

Nourishing Motherhood: A Self-Paced Online Nutrition Curriculum For Women To Support Mental Well-Being And Optimize Health During Pregnancy And Post Birth, Imogen Knight

Student Projects for Graduate Degrees

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health burden, affecting approximately one in seven women and contributing to numerous adverse outcomes that include poor maternal-infant bonds, failure of breastfeeding, negative parenting practices, and marital discord. Nutrition has been increasingly recognized as a modifiable risk factor in the prevention and management of depressive symptoms, yet nutrition education remains underutilized in perinatal care. This project aimed to develop an accessible, evidence-based online nutrition curriculum designed for women from preconception through the postpartum period. The curriculum comprises five evidence-based modules rooted in Social Cognitive Theory to promote learner engagement, self-efficacy, and sustained behavior …

Understanding Garden Resource Use By Low-Income Families With Children, Mai Thao, Rita S. Stephenson, Katherine R. Arlinghaus, Abby L. Gold

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Home gardens are an important supplemental source of food for many families and provide multiple health benefits. However, the practice of gardening may be more challenging for low-income families with limited access to gardening resources. The University of Minnesota Extension offers gardening resources, but it is unclear how these resources are used by low-income families with children. Aim 1 of the project was to understand access to and use of Extension and other vegetable gardening resources by low-income families with children. Aim 2 of the project was to develop a set of recommendations for improving access to existing resources and …

Integrating Social Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, And Nutrition Education Into Curricula To Promote Self-Regulation And Healthy Eating Behaviors Among Preschoolers, Rachel A. Razza, Lynn Brann

The Lender Center for Social Justice

This article outlines a combined SEL, mindfulness, and nutrition curriculum for preschoolers, improving self-regulation and healthy eating habits.